The West Midlands is one of the UK’s biggest and best dance hubs, with venues hosting everything from classical ballets to snake-hipped Strictly stars strutting their samba stuff. Here’s a selection of productions hot-shoe shuffling their way into the region over the next few weeks...

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

Sir Peter Wright’s version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome courtesy (of course) of Birmingham Royal Ballet. 

Created in 1990 as a thank-you to the city for its support of the company following its move to the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Sir Peter’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score.

In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina.
A magical, must-see show for theatre-going dance lovers everywhere, the production was last year enhanced by a £1million makeover. 

Birmingham Hippodrome, until Saturday 9 December

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ROALD DAHL'S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

Touring to an impressive number of venues throughout the UK on an annual basis, Ballet Cymru has garnered a reputation for presenting innovative, challenging and original productions. 

The company was founded in 1986 and prides itself on presenting ‘a high standard of classical ballet in an unpretentious and original way’.

Ballet Cymru’s latest show sees them performing two of Roald Dahl’s much-loved Revolting Rhymes - a 1982 collection of re-interpreted fairytales featuring surprise endings.

Stourbridge Town Hall, Friday 24 November

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BERT & NASI: THE BEGINNING

Described by its two performers as a surreal meditation on life, The Beginning is an alternative dance piece about, well, beginnings: beginnings of shows, beginnings of relationships, beginnings of difficult moments...

The aforementioned performers are Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutsas, two talented dancers who explore and muse on the different ways in which they can or could have started their shows and lives working together...

The production sees them collaborating with a chorus of 15 non-professional participants, all of whom are 60 and over. It’s a move which is aimed at providing a gentle reminder that beginnings don’t stop with age, ‘and that we can always choose when and how we want to begin.’

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wednesday 29 November

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DANCING IN WINTER WONDERLAND WITH ALJAZ AND JANETTE

Janette Manrara and Aljaz Skorjanec take to the stage in a production that sees them combining ‘world-class choreography, fabulous costumes and amazing sets’ with the greatest hits of Christmas. 
The Strictly Come Dancing favourites are joined in the show by a supporting cast of dancers and singers.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sunday 10 December  

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THE WIZARD OF OZ

Ballet Theatre UK are inviting audiences to join them on the Yellow Brick Road this Christmas, as they visit Cannock with their two-act full-length ballet adaptation of L Frank Baum’s iconic story. 

First performed by the company in 2019 and set to a classical score, the production is presented with ‘beautiful backdrops, stunning theatrical sets’ and costumes evoking the iconic sketches by WW Denslow that featured in the original book, published in 1900. 

Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Wednesday 13 December

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ALL ABOUT THE FIGHT: GOING THE DISTANCE

Sterran Dance Theatre have partnered with Bright Star Boxing Academy to develop this cross-discipline presentation, exchanging skills and ‘exploring the creative possibilities between dance and boxing’.
Drawing on the personal experiences of members of the company, the highly physical piece explores the emotional fight which people can face for approval, survival, recognition and success. 

Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tuesday 19 December 

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AN EVENING WITH ANTON DU BEKE & FRIENDS

It’s a busy old time for Anton Du Beke. Not only is he sitting in judgement on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants every weekend, he’s also out on the road with his latest show. This one sees the fleet-of-foot legend team up with his dancers, a live band and guest singer Lance Ellington to present an evening of song, dance and laughter. Behind-the scenes stories from his time on Strictly will also feature...

Seriously, what’s not to like?

Lichfield Garrick, Monday 29 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tuesday 30 April